Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assistance is available now through May 12, 2023 (an extension of two extra weeks). LIHEAP helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type.
- You don’t need to be on public assistance
- You don’t need to have unpaid heating bills
- You can either rent or own your home
Remember: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), which manages this program, recently announced that it will issue $150 in-season supplemental grants to ALL LIHEAP Cash recipients. The first supplements will go out on March 1, 2023, and will continue to be issued monthly through the end of the season. In addition, plans are under way to increase the maximum Crisis grant from $1000 to $2000. DHS has not yet identified the date this increase will take effect, but they are working to get it implemented as quickly as possible. Once implemented, anyone who received a LIHEAP Crisis grant earlier this year will be able to apply for the additional funds – up to the new maximum.
For more information, and how to apply for LIHEAP assistance, visit the DHS LIHEAP website here: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx
